PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG

     Since April of 2008 Living the Word has been based on readings through the New Testament, focusing primarily on individual people and the influence of the living Word of God in their lives.

     Now I am going to go back to the beginning of my Bible and start with Genesis 1:1. Once again the focus will be on the lives of real people who lived in Bible times with a prayerful application to my own life and the lives of my readers.

     Throughout the Old Testament, God spoke through the prophets and in the lives of people like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In these stories we see many pictures or "types" that point to the promised Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ.

     When the apostles preached about Jesus, they often did a review of Israel's history and the words of the prophets to prove that Jesus was the promised Messiah. We do well as Christians to know these stories as a basis for understanding all that He did for us on the cross.

     For New Testament readings see my devotional blog The God Who Sees Me at  http://devotionalprayerjournal.blogspot.com/

THE GOD WHO SEES ME

IN THE BEGINNING GOD

Read Genesis 1:1–2:2, John 1:1–4

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.   Genesis 1:3 NIV

***

     "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:1–3 )

     We worship a God who brought forth an entire universe just by speaking. He is so powerful, and yet Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”(Matthew 10:30) There is nothing that concerns me that He misses or ignores. This same Lord of the universe ─ Father, Son and Holy Spirit ─ will be with me throughout eternity.

***

     Thank You, Lord, that nothing in my life goes unnoticed by You. As I marvel in the matchless beauty of the moon and stars on a cloudless night, how comforting it is to know that You see me. No matter how hectic life is, as I hurry about from day to day, You are always there to listen and guide my steps – And You will be there when my life on earth is completed and my faith becomes sight. For then I will see the “God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)

***

     "You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely, O LORD."    Psalm 139:2–4 NIV

THE LUKEWARM CHURCH

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Laodicea

[63]
Read Revelation 3:14-22

     "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.   Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV

* * *

     The church at Laodicea was proud and prosperous. Many see a comparison to the churches of today, with fine buildings and multiple programs. Jesus points out their pride saying,
     “Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' -- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked -- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” (3:17-18)

     The interesting thing in this warning is that it seems to be a true church going in the wrong direction. Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” (3:19)

* * *

     Lord, it is so easy for us as believers to become apathetic and satisfied with the status quo. Forgive me of my lukewarm devotion to the ministry of our church. Light a fire in my soul that will not go out no matter what the circumstances – rich or poor. Help me to see others as You see them.

* * *

     “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 NKJV

AN OPEN DOOR

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Philadelphia

[62]

Read Revelation 3:7-13

     "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”   Revelation 3:8 NKJV

* * *

     These letters to the seven churches describe the actual events at the time of this writing but because of their placement in a prophetic vision, some have viewed them as typical of the church in various stages of history.
     If this is a valid secondary interpretation, then the Philadelphia church most likely represents the churches of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries of missionary outreach. God truly has given and still gives an open door for missionary endeavor. How long this will be, we do not know, but the opportunity is there today.

     Others also see a composite picture of the church at any time in history. In this view the promise of deliverance is comforting: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly!” (3:10-11a)

* * *

     Lord, I look forward to Your coming, perhaps in our lifetime. Help us to take advantage of the open door we have today for spreading the good news of salvation. Give me the opportunity to share my faith in You.

* * *

      These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"   Revelation 3:7b NKJV

THE DEAD CHURCH

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Sardis

[61]
Read Revelation 3:1-6

     "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.   Revelation 3:1b NKJV

* * *

     The church in Sardis may have been an active busy church, but spiritually Jesus pronounces them dead – or at least ready to die. He says, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God." (3:2)

     This church was not looking for the return of Jesus and though there was a spark of life, it was ready to go out. He warns them, “Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:3b

     Like many cold churches today, Sardis had some who were still trusting in Christ. He says of them, “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” (3:4)

     This reminds me of the parable of the wedding feast where a man tried to enter without the proper wedding garment. This garment is the righteousness which true believers receive when they trust in Christ – sins washed away as white as snow.

* * *

     Father, I am anticipating Jesus’ return, hoping that perhaps our generation will be the one that sees the return of Your Son. Thank you that He is the One who makes us worthy to walk with You in white.

* * *

     "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."   Matthew 25:13 NKJV